The Wakeful Body: Somatic Mindfulness as a Path to Freedom

Spirituality & Practice Best Books of 2021 Award WinnerA highly practical and approachable guide to somatic meditation with easy practices for accessing the bodys inherent mindfulness, from an expert in somatic meditation.Tap into the wisdom of the body with downtoearth practices like Surrendering to the Breath and Befriending Feelings that allow the body to become the source of mindfulness. Willa Blythe Baker introduces meditation practice as the cultivation of a way of being, rather than a way of doing. It is a way of being that is selfaware, selfcompassionate, and embodied. This way of being is not limited to practice on the cushion or on the yoga matsomatic mindfulness is available at any moment, activated by attention to the bodys wisdom and its teachings.Discover the three layers of embodiment, from the earth body of flesh and blood, the subtle body of sensory experience and emotion, and the awareness body of consciousness. The three parts of this book explore these layers through turning attention to the physical, energetic, and mental dimensions of human experience. By diving deep into the body, readers will find that they already have what they need. Concentration, wisdom, compassion, kindness, and joy are waiting there.